Accident
During a cross-country instrument flight at an altitude of 5,300 feet, the pilot radioed air traffic control that he was experiencing difficulty maintaining altitude. Shortly thereafter, at 1853 hours, the controller lost both radar and radio contact with the aircraft. Local authorities were notified and launched a ground and air search for the downed airplane.
The wreckage was located in a wooded area at 0815 on February 7, 2003. Emergency responders reached the site and began examination of the scene.
Investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage but did not find any evidence of airframe or mechanical malfunctions. The aircraft appeared to have impacted terrain with no pre-existing defects that could explain the loss of control.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular #60-4A, during periods of low visibility a pilot is particularly vulnerable to spatial disorientation. This circular highlights the risks associated with instrument flight in reduced visibility conditions, but the official investigation did not explicitly state a probable cause for this accident.